Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Equally, or perhaps even more known for their furniture and product design rather than architectural projects, the prominent Swedish practice Claesson Koivisto Rune have recently completed this crisp-white, minimalist, seafront villa. Located on the second largest Swedish island of Öland, the development is made of solid white, precast concrete which enabled the architects to achieve ‘the ultimate precision in manufacturing tolerance and colour/finish.’

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

More about the project:

‘This house is like a funnel of light, space and sea views. The white concrete box is “corsetted” in the middle, creating slightly sheared wall and roof angles. This gives the house both its direction and character, while also marking the difference between the rear private two-storey bedroom part and the communal double ceiling-height front part.’

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

‘Precast concrete is perhaps not the most common choice for a private house at this scale, but was ideal for achieving the ultimate precision in manufacturing tolerance and colour/finish.

‘The concrete is not painted or surface-pigmented but solid white, which gives it a wonderful glow. The joints between the concrete elements are carefully designed and positioned so that – instead of interfering with – they become part of the building’s geometry and expression. The sealant in between is gray to enhance the graphic effect rather than matching the concrete surface.’

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; photo courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; floor plan courtesy of the architects

Widlund House by Claesson Koivisto Rune; section courtesy of the architects